Numbers

Numbers 7: God receives His people’s gifts

Begin in prayer

Before watching the tribes bring their gifts to God, please ask Him to make our worship thankful. Pray that we will value His Word and see how Jesus brings His people near.

What will I give to Yahweh for all his benefits toward me?

Psalm 116:12

Father in heaven, please open our eyes as we read Your Word. Give us thankful hearts for Your gifts, and show us Jesus, through whom sinners may approach You. Make us more like Jesus. And please bless our family as we worship You together. In Jesus' name, Amen.

See where we're going

When Moses has set apart the tabernacle and altar, Israel’s leaders bring gifts to help its service. Moses gives their wagons and oxen to the Levites according to the loads they must carry. Over twelve days, each tribe’s leader brings the same offering for the dedication of the altar. These gifts provide vessels and animals for burnt offerings, sin offerings and peace offerings. When Moses enters the Tent of Meeting, he hears God speak from above the mercy seat between the cherubim.

As you read Numbers 7, look for the answers:

Reflect together

Key truth

God receives His people’s gifts and meets with them as He has promised.

The leaders bring their gifts when God’s tent and altar are set apart for worship. Their wagons help the Levites move the heavy frame and coverings. The Kohathites receive no wagon because God has given them holy things to carry on their shoulders. Then each tribe brings the same generous offering on its own day. Please help your children see a whole people sharing in worship, with no tribe left out. Their gifts provide for the sacrifices through which God has told them to approach Him. Moses then hears God speak from above the mercy seat, where He promised to meet with him (Exodus 25 verse 22).

How does Numbers 7 show us that God receives His people’s gifts and meets with them as He has promised?

God receives gifts that help His people serve Him.

The wagons are given according to the work of each Levite family. Merari’s family receives four wagons for carrying the frame, while Gershon’s receives two for the coverings. The Kohathites carry the holy furnishings on their shoulders, so their service needs obedience to God’s particular command.

God gives every tribe a share in worship.

Each leader brings the same gift on the day God appoints. The repeated offerings show the tribes joining in one dedication of the altar. No tribe’s gifts replace another’s, and all come by the sacrifices God has commanded.

God speaks where He has promised to meet His people.

The mercy seat covers the ark that holds God’s testimony. From above it, between the cherubim, God speaks to Moses. The gifts lead us to a living God who meets His people and makes His will known.

Memorise

Yahweh said to Moses, “They shall offer their offering, each prince on his day, for the dedication of the altar.”

Numbers 7:11

Looking to Jesus in my life

Ask yourself in your heart, what does my giving show about my love for God and my need of Jesus?

Moses hears God’s voice “from above the mercy seat”. The altar has received the tribes’ offerings, and the God of Israel speaks to His servant. Worship is directed toward Someone who hears and answers.

We need more than a gift to bring before Him, because our sin makes us guilty. Jesus offered Himself for His people and carried their guilt to the cross. He endured their judgment, then rose from the dead. That offering was made once for all, as Hebrews 10 verse 10 explains. His completed sacrifice supplies everything needed to make them holy before God.

Turn from sin and trust Jesus. Those who receive Him by faith are forgiven, and their worship comes to God through Him. Please bring Him your heart before you bring Him your gifts. The Savior who gave Himself teaches His people to give with thanks.

Parent's note

Tell your children that gifts cannot purchase forgiveness, and Christ’s sacrifice is the reason His people can approach God. Please do not tell them they are saved just because they grew up in a Christian home. Call each child to turn from sin and trust Jesus, and pray that God would give them a new heart.

Pray together

Now please close your time together in prayer. Thank God for receiving His people’s worship and speaking to Moses, and bring the heart question to Him. Every child can pray, so let each one say a short prayer if they want to.

It is written in the prophets, ‘They will all be taught by God.’ Therefore everyone who hears from the Father, and has learned, comes to me.

John 6:45

Lord God, thank You for speaking and for receiving the worship You command. Please forgive the pride that treats giving as payment for Your favour. Turn us from sin and teach us to trust Jesus. Make us thankful and willing to share what You have given us this week. Amen.